PDGF-CC Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor family. The four members of this family are mitogenic factors for cells of mesenchymal origin and are characterized by a core motif of eight cysteines. This gene product appears to form only homodimers. It differs from the platelet-derived growth factor alpha and beta polypeptides in having an unusual N-terminal domain, the CUB domain. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010]

PDGFC: Growth factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell migration, survival and chemotaxis. Potent mitogen and chemoattractant for cells of mesenchymal origin. Required for normal skeleton formation during embryonic development, especially for normal development of the craniofacial skeleton and for normal development of the palate. Required for normal skin morphogenesis during embryonic development. Plays an important role in wound healing, where it appears to be involved in three stages: inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Plays an important role in angiogenesis and blood vessel development. Involved in fibrotic processes, in which transformation of interstitial fibroblasts into myofibroblasts plus collagen deposition occurs. The CUB domain has mitogenic activity in coronary artery smooth muscle cells, suggesting a role beyond the maintenance of the latency of the PDGF domain. In the nucleus, PDGFC seems to have additional function. Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. 3 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 4q32

Cellular Component: Golgi membrane; extracellular space; cell surface; endoplasmic reticulum lumen; cytoplasm; plasma membrane; extracellular region; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; protein homodimerization activity; growth factor activity; platelet-derived growth factor receptor binding

Biological Process: organ morphogenesis; positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation; embryonic development; transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activation (dimerization); central nervous system development; positive regulation of cell division; platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling pathway; regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; positive regulation of DNA replication